Cancer referral leaflet for patients - NHS Cumbria

YOUR FAST TRACK APPOINTMENT1 Why have I been given this leaflet?Based on your symptoms, you need animmediate referral so that you can bediagnosed quickly.Although your symptoms may indicate thepossibility of cancer, 18 out of 20 peoplereferred in this manner will not havecancer.3 What if I am not in when theycall?It would be helpful to tell anyone youlive with you are expecting a call andwhen you are likely to be in so thehospital can call back at a time whenyou will be available to arrange yourappointment You will receive a letterto confirm the appointment details.5 What if I have any questions priorto my hospital appointment?You can contact your GP if you haveany questions or concerns about what ishappening to you prior to attending yourhospital appointment6 What if I have any questions whenattending my hospital appointment?Remember that symptoms you have maybe caused by a number of commonconditions. It is important for you to beseen quickly in order to investigate fully.The hospital is unable to giveappointment details to friends or familyor leave answer phone messagesdue to patient confidentiality.You may also find it useful to write anyquestions down so you remember themand it is also strongly advised to takesomeone with you for your appointment.2 What Is the fast track system?As of 1st April 2010 you have a legal rightto be seen by a specialist within 2 weeks.More information can be found in the NHSConstitution ‘Your right:urgent two weekreferral’. http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/@ps/documents/digitalasset/dh_115308.pdfYour General Practitioner (GP) will forwardyour referral to the hospital who will thencontact you within 24 hours (not includingweekends and bank holidays) to arrangean appointment.In the unlikely event you are notcontactable by telephone a letter willbe sent out with your appointmentdetails.4 What If I don’t receive anappointment?If you have not received details ofyour appointment within 3 workingdays of seeing your GP, pleasecontact the hospital to which you arebeing referred using the number onthe front of this leaflet.7 What If I cannot keep theappointment?If you cannot keep the appointmentplease let the hospital know as soon aspossible using the phone number on thefront of this leaflet so we can rearrangeit.8 How do I get to the hospital?If you cannot use public transport, driveyourself or arrange a lift with friends orfamily please speak to your surgery tosee if you are eligible for patienttransport.

NotesWritten with the help of:NHS CumbriaNorth Cumbria Cancer AdvisoryPanelNovember 2010Your Fast TrackAppointmentNorth Cumbria UniversityHospitals NHS TrustWest CumberlandHospital WhitehavenTelephone: 01946 523484orCumberland InfirmaryCarlisleTelephone: 01228 814068Monday to Friday 9.00am to5.00pmFor you To fill inMy Appointment is:-Date: …………………………Consultant: ………………….Hospital……………………….